Every manager does the right things, which is the strategic part of her/his job. S/he also does the right things in the right way in order to achieve strategic aims. And that is the second part of the job – the operational one. Many managers are good at this: they know how to get things done. But should a manager be offered the role of an executive, these skills are considered to be the most fundamental. In order to receive such an offer, one needs to be perceived as a strategic type of manager. The management.about.com website has shared some tips on how to achieve precisely this.
1. Read in order to know more about both your industry and the world around you. Be interested in books and papers about science, the arts and history as well. Reading about the above-mentioned fields may help you to identify trends, disruptions and opportunities. Maybe you will come up with a new innovative idea. Also read classics on the topic of strategy and get to know different strategic frameworks.
2. Talk using strategic language. Every now and then include a few strategic phrases, but don’t overdo it.
3. Think in terms of years rather than days or months. When doing so, don’t be afraid to make mistakes; take reasonable risks and try out new ideas that might become big in the long run.
4. Understand your company’s strategy better because you have to know how it affects your department. Read annual reports, have discussions with your boss and other managers at your level. Find out what the CEO thinks by listening to her/his speeches.
5. Meet new people and add them to your network. Talk with people who are different to you because that is how you broaden your perspective and increase the chance of learning something interesting and new. Don’t just hang out with people similar to yourself.
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